This report, originally published by sportsamo.com, details the thrilling quarter-final action at the Rio Open presented by Claro on February 21, 2026, where Peruvian sensation Ignacio Buse extended his dream run, and Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry achieved a significant career milestone amidst challenging weather conditions. The clay-court ATP 500 event has been a stage for upsets and emerging talent, setting up a captivating semi-final lineup.
Ignacio Buse, the unheralded 21-year-old Peruvian, etched another memorable chapter into his Cinderella story at the 2026 Rio Open. Just one day after stunning third seed and local hero Joao Fonseca, Buse delivered another commanding performance, this time overcoming former World No. 6 Matteo Berrettini with a gritty 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 triumph. The quarter-final clash, heavily impacted by no fewer than four rain delays, tested the mental fortitude of both competitors but ultimately saw Buse advance to the biggest semi-final of his burgeoning career.
"Today it was really tough because we stopped, I think, four times because of the rain," Buse reflected after the match, his voice a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. "The conditions are sometimes fast, sometimes slow. You never know. But it was a difficult match, but I’m happy I managed it in a good way." His words underscored the immense challenge of maintaining focus and rhythm in such stop-start circumstances, a factor that often favors the more experienced player. However, Buse, with the fearlessness of youth, adapted brilliantly.
The match against Berrettini was a roller-coaster. Buse, ranked significantly lower than the Italian, started strong, breaking Berrettini’s serve early and capitalizing on his aggressive baseline play to take the first set 6-3. Berrettini, a formidable presence on clay with a powerful serve and forehand, found his footing in the second set, utilizing his experience to break Buse twice and level the match at one set all. The deciding set was a true test of wills, punctuated by the persistent Rio de Janeiro rain. At 5-2 in the third, with Buse serving for the match, the heavens opened for the fourth time, halting play just as the Peruvian was on the cusp of victory.
Upon resumption, the tension was palpable. Buse let slip two match points on Berrettini’s serve, a moment that could have easily derailed a less composed player. Yet, he regrouped, demonstrating remarkable composure beyond his years. After two hours and 19 minutes of play, spread across a much longer calendar time due to the weather, Buse finally closed out the match, securing his place in the semi-finals. According to Infosys ATP Stats, Buse saved four of the six break points he faced against the Italian, a crucial statistic highlighting his resilience under pressure. This victory marked their maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash, and it’s one Buse will undoubtedly cherish.
For Matteo Berrettini, this Rio Open campaign presented another opportunity to regain momentum after a period marred by injuries. Once a Top 10 fixture and a Wimbledon finalist, the Italian’s journey back to peak form has been arduous. While his second-set performance showed flashes of his former brilliance, the inability to close out the match against a less experienced opponent suggests he still has work to do to consistently compete at the highest level. His powerful game is well-suited to clay, but the stop-start nature of the match, combined with Buse’s relentless energy, proved too much on this occasion.
Buse’s next challenge will come in the form of Chilean lefty Alejandro Tabilo. Tabilo, himself a former World No. 19 and currently enjoying a purple patch of form, concluded the day’s proceedings with a hard-fought victory over Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante. Tabilo prevailed 7-6(2), 6-7(6), 6-1 in a grueling two-hour and 53-minute encounter that showcased his tenacity and improved consistency. The Chilean’s recent record speaks volumes: he has won an impressive 10 of his past 11 matches across all levels, indicating a player brimming with confidence and in excellent physical condition. His aggressive lefty game, combined with a strong serve and forehand, will pose a significant tactical challenge for Buse. The semi-final will likely be a fascinating battle of contrasting styles and surging confidence.
In the other half of the draw, eighth seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina celebrated a significant career milestone. The 26-year-old, a clay-court specialist known for his powerful groundstrokes and tireless retrieving, overcame lucky loser Jaime Faria 7-6(4), 6-4 to notch his 100th tour-level victory. This century mark is a testament to Etcheverry’s consistent grind on the ATP Tour, particularly on his favored surface. While perhaps not as flashy as some of his peers, Etcheverry’s dedication and steady improvement have seen him become a formidable force, especially in Latin American clay events.
The match against Faria, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser, was a tight affair, particularly in the opening set. Etcheverry’s mental toughness was evident as he crucially saved all five break points he faced in the first set, preventing Faria from gaining any significant momentum. He then capitalized on his opportunities in the tie-break, showcasing a calm demeanor under pressure. "It was a tough tie-break," Etcheverry admitted. "I played nicely in the end in the tie-break. And in the second set, I think I played better than the first one." His ability to elevate his game when it mattered most speaks volumes about his growing maturity as a tour professional. His second set was indeed more dominant, allowing him to close out the match in straight sets.
Etcheverry’s semi-final opponent will be the Czech Republic’s Vit Kopriva, who delivered one of the most composed performances of the day. Kopriva eased to a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo, during which he did not face a single break point. This statistical anomaly highlights the efficiency and control Kopriva exerted over the match, rarely allowing Cerundolo any sniff of a break opportunity.
For Kopriva, this marks his second tour-level semi-final, arriving five years after his ATP Tour debut and first semi-final appearance in Gstaad back in 2021. The interim period has seen Kopriva hone his craft on the Challenger circuit, patiently working his way back to this level. His solid all-around game and calm court presence suggest a player who is now more equipped to handle the demands of the main tour. Cerundolo, a former Cordoba Open champion, has shown flashes of brilliance on clay but struggled to find answers against Kopriva’s relentless accuracy and consistent serving.
The Rio Open, a prestigious ATP 500 event and a vital precursor to the European clay-court season, has delivered an abundance of drama and unexpected narratives this year. The persistent rain has added an unpredictable element, testing players’ adaptability and resilience, but it has also contributed to some truly memorable contests. The tournament has a rich history of showcasing both established stars and rising talents, and this year is no exception.
Looking ahead to the semi-finals, the matchups promise intense battles. Ignacio Buse versus Alejandro Tabilo pits two in-form players against each other, both vying for a maiden ATP 500 final. Buse’s momentum and fearless approach against Tabilo’s experience and consistent lefty game will be a tactical chess match. On the other side of the draw, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, buoyed by his milestone victory, will face the rejuvenated Vit Kopriva. Etcheverry, the higher seed and more established clay-courter, will be the favorite, but Kopriva’s serene progress and unbreakable serve make him a dangerous underdog.
As the Rio Open heads into its penultimate day, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion. The upsets have cleared the path for potential new champions, and the unpredictable nature of clay-court tennis, compounded by the challenging weather, ensures that every point will be fiercely contested. Tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see who emerges victorious from this captivating tournament in the heart of Brazil.
